1 Samuel 14:21
Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָֽעִבְרִ֗ים
Moreover the Hebrews
H5680
וְהָֽעִבְרִ֗ים
Moreover the Hebrews
Strong's:
H5680
Word #:
1 of 19
an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber
הָי֤וּ
H1961
הָי֤וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לַפְּלִשְׁתִּים֙
that were with the Philistines
H6430
לַפְּלִשְׁתִּים֙
that were with the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
3 of 19
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָל֥וּ
which went up
H5927
עָל֥וּ
which went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
7 of 19
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עִמָּ֛ם
H5973
עִמָּ֛ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
8 of 19
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה
with them into the camp
H4264
בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה
with them into the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
9 of 19
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
סָבִ֑יב
from the country round about
H5439
סָבִ֑יב
from the country round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
10 of 19
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
לִֽהְיוֹת֙
H1961
לִֽהְיוֹת֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
13 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
14 of 19
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
even they also turned to be with the Israelites
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
even they also turned to be with the Israelites
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
15 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
17 of 19
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Historical Context
Israelites serving Philistines was common during periods of Philistine dominance. Economic necessity, fear, or pragmatism led some to collaborate with occupying forces. Such collaborators commonly switched allegiance when power dynamics shifted.
Questions for Reflection
- How should faith communities receive those who return after abandoning the cause during difficulty?
- What distinguishes genuine repentance from opportunistic return?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.
The 'Hebrews that were with the Philistines beforetime' - Israelites who had defected or served the enemy - now 'turned to be with the Israelites.' Military success attracts those who abandoned the cause in difficult times. The description of these turncoats 'which went up with them into the camp round about' suggests they opportunistically joined the winning side. God's victory draws even the faithless back, though their return reflects self-interest more than faith.